to bill clinton coming on stage to present a clip from the film "lincoln." it seemed like everyone in the audience was surprised. >> what an exciting special guest. that was hillary clinton's husband. >> reporter: did the folks at the "lincoln" table know? >> a couple of them. i didn't know when though. it still was amazing because, even knowing it it still was amazing. >> i'm just going to put it out there, right? loud and proud right? >> reporter: in the most emotional speech of the night, jodie foster alluded to her sexuality, saying she came out years ago to friends and family but made a plea for privacy. >> if you had been a public figure from the time that you were a toddler, if you had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds then maybe then you too might value privacy above all else. >> jodie foster's speech was mind blowingly beautiful. >> reporter: backstage the night's winners said they understood foster's desire for privacy. >> because our job is to transform and to play all different kinds of characters i believe